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Dear Friend,
I hope you have been enjoying your summer and taking advantage of the many free programs offered by Fairfax County. I wanted to make sure you saw the press release from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments on the financial sustainability of WMATA and the comments I made as Vice Chair.
I am sharing another survey with you on the proposal to eliminate county provided vacuum leaf removal based on a report from the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES). Thank you for providing your feedback. I look forward to seeing many of you at Franconia Nights, held Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Franconia District Park. Stay cool and enjoy the summer.
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If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office. | |
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Email: Franconia@fairfaxcounty.gov
Phone 703-971-6262
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- Fiscal Challenges of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
- Franconia Nights Summer Entertainment Series
- Voting Rights Marker Gum Springs
- Disability Pride Month
- Vacuum Leaf Service Survey
- What You Need to Know About Panhandling in Fairfax County
- Elections Officers Needed
In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
- Metro Wants Your Feedback - Capacity & Reliability Study
- Free Immunization Clinics for Children
- Summer Safety Tips for Families
- Kingstowne Famers Market
- Three Great Reasons to Go Solar in Fairfax County in 2023
- Registration for SACC's 2024-25 School Year Program
- Fairfax County Public Library Summer Reading Challenge
- Capital Area Food Bank Summer Meals
- FCPS Summer Meal Program
- Senior Cool Care Program
- Summer Heat Safety Tips
- Your Guide to Summer
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Fiscal Challenges of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) | |
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I joined other area elected officials earlier this month for the annual leadership retreat of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) to focus on addressing the fiscal challenges of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and ensuring the Metro system is in a strong position to serve the region. We issued a statement on WMATA’s financial sustainability (linked below).
As Vice Chair of COG, I added the following comments:
“We are seeing congestion on our roads back to pre-pandemic levels, and with more regional growth expected, the only path forward is to provide people with high quality, reliable transit services on bus and rail. In addition, Metro supports our other top regional priorities, such as reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and advancing equity by providing affordable travel options and expanding opportunity to jobs, housing, and other amenities.”
Read the full press release here: Statement by COG leaders on WMATA's financial sustainability - News Release - News | Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (mwcog.org)
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Franconia Nights Summer Entertainment Series | |
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I invite you to join me at Franconia Nights! This past Wednesday, we enjoyed the performance from the Silver Tones Swing Band! On August 2nd, we welcome Pablo Perez El Alcadle de La Salsa (Salsa).
Supervisor Rodney Lusk and the Fairfax County Park Authority present the Franconia District Summer Entertainment Series' Franconia Nights at Leonadus K. Plenty Amphitheater 2023 schedule:
• August 2 – Pablo Perez El Alcadle de La Salsa (Salsa)
• August 9 – Alexandria Harmonizers (Chorus)
• August 16 – The Nighthawks (Blues)
• August 23 – Dave Kline Band (World Jazz Fusion)
Franconia Nights at Leonadus K. Plenty Amphitheater are held at Franconia District Park at 6601 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria every Wednesday from 7:30-8:30pm.
Performances are held outdoors, bring lawn chairs. In case of inclement weather, call the concert hotline at (703) 324-7469 before leaving home. Cancellations are posted one hour prior to show time. This is the perfect occasion to bring your loved ones, dance, or just sit back and enjoy the night! I hope to see you there!
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Historical Marker unveiling in Gum Springs | |
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This weekend, I was honored to speak at the unveiling of the historical marker in Gum Springs recognizing Annie E. Harper and Gladys Berry and the historical voting rights case eliminating the poll tax.
The marker reads "African Americans Annie E. Harper and Gladys Berry, who lived on Fordson Road, filed a federal lawsuit in March 1964 challenging Virginia's poll tax, which residents had to pay before registering to vote in state elections. The case was later combined with a similar suit initiated by Evelyn Butts of Norfolk. A federal court ruled against the plaintiffs in Nov. 1964. On appeal, the U. S. Supreme Court determined in Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections (1966) that the poll tax requirement in state elections violated the 14th amendment, invalidating the tax in Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas."
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I want to thank my board colleagues, Supervisor Foust and Chairman McKay, for bringing this board matter forward and I am proud to support Disability Pride month.
Disability Pride Month is celebrated nationally in the month of July to commemorate the passing of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990.
Since 1990, Disability Pride Month has celebrated disabled people, their identities and culture, and their contributions to society. It also seeks to change the way people think about and define disability, to end the stigma of disability, and to promote the belief that disability is a natural part of human diversity in which people living with disabilities can celebrate and take pride.
Unfortunately, disabled individuals continue to face discrimination for something out of their control. The unemployment rate for disabled people is double that for non-disabled people.
Disabled people also face increased danger of being victims of crimes. A Department of Justice study found that for the period of 2017-2019, disabled people accounted for 26% of nonfatal violent crimes although they comprised only 12% of the population.
In celebration of this County’s richly diverse population, this Board has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to promoting a culture of openness, inclusiveness, and acceptance for all persons in Fairfax County. We appreciate that by embracing and celebrating our individual identities, we become a better County and grow stronger as a community.
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Vacuum Leaf Service Survey | |
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Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is proposing to discontinue vacuum leaf service after the upcoming winter season. A final decision will be made by the Board of Supervisors this fall.
A survey is now open through Aug. 18. Input also can be left via voicemail at: 703-890-5898, Project Code: 2159; or by texting “leaf collection” to 703-890-5898.
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What You Need to Know About Panhandling in Fairfax County | |
Elections Officers Needed for the General Election November 7th | |
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Fairfax County Office needs election officers for the November 7th General Election and the 2024 elections. Compensation begins at $250 and training is provided online and in-person for new officers. More information on serving as a Fairfax County election officer can be found here. Apply today.
There is also a need for bilingual Virginia voters who speak Vietnamese and English or Korean and English to serve in the Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, and Falls Church areas. To serve as a designated bilingual election officer, you must also complete a short oral language skills assessment. More information on serving as a language election officer can be found here.
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Metro Wants Your Feedback - Capacity & Reliability Study | |
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Metro wants your feedback on proposals to improve service and reliability on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines.
Metro has opened its public engagement and feedback period on six options to address future capacity, reliability, and customer needs on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. The proposed alternatives, part of the Blue/Orange/Silver Capacity and Reliability Study (BOS Study) launched in 2019, include a set of potential infrastructure and operational improvements that will ensure quality service while meeting the needs of the growing region.
Beginning July 17, Metro will conduct a series of virtual and in-person engagement activities to provide information about the proposed alternatives and receive public input that will help Metro’s Board of Directors select a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA). Visit wmata.com/BOSstudy for full details about the proposals and how to weigh in.
The Board’s selection of an LPA is only the first step in a long process. The type of large project needed to address the needs and opportunities on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines will require federal funding as well as support and investment from Metro’s regional partners. Recognizing this, the BOS Study is structured according to federal guidelines and requirements to qualify for federal grants. Projects of this scale can take ten to twenty years or more to plan, design, fund, and build. Metro and the region need to be planning now for our growing region.
Engagement Opportunities:
Website: Members of the public are encouraged to review materials on the BOS study website, wmata.com/BOSstudy, and provide feedback on the proposed alternatives by responding to an online survey.
Online Survey: The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed alternatives through an online survey. The survey, available in English and Spanish, will be open until September 30, 2023, at wmata.com/BOSstudy.
VISA Gift Card Giveaway: By responding to the survey, respondents may enter for a chance to win a $50 VISA gift card in a drawing to be held once the survey closes.
Hybrid Public Meetings: In addition, the public is encouraged to register for and attend one of three upcoming hybrid public meetings, either in-person or virtually (online). These hybrid meetings include a live presentation by project staff, followed by a question-and-answer session.
- Saturday, August 26 | 10:30 AM -12:00 PM - St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church Omega Room (408 Addison Rd S, Capitol Heights MD 20743)
- Tuesday, September 12 | 6:30-8 PM - Metro L'Enfant Plaza HQ Board Room (300 7th Street SW, Washington DC 20024)
To register for an upcoming meeting, visit: wmata.com/BOSstudy
About the Study
Metro launched the Blue/Orange/Silver Capacity & Reliability Study (BOS Study) in early 2019 to identify the best and most cost-effective solutions to address ridership, service, and reliability needs on these Metrorail lines. After conducting an analysis of the key issues and trends, Metro developed a broad range of potential options for addressing the study goals. Following two rounds of public engagement and extensive feedback, Metro worked with community stakeholders and local jurisdictions to evaluate and narrow these options to six potential alternatives addressing capacity, reliability, and customer needs on the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines.
Click here to view the proposed alternatives.
The BOS Study is a type of study known as an Alternatives Analysis (AA). The AA complies with best-practices guidelines from the Federal Transit Administration and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This will allow Metro to move forward with the study recommendation(s) and compete for federal funding, while reducing the length and cost of any future environmental review process. The study recommendations will be based on data analysis, with input from regional stakeholders and the public to define the problems and determine the preferred solution.
For More Information
To learn more about the project, upcoming engagement activities, and complete the online survey, visit the project website at wmata.com/BOSstudy
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, disability, or family status. If you require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or translation services (free of charge), contact the project team at 703-683-7447, ext. 115 (TTY: 711) at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date.
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FREE Immunization Clinics for Children | |
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Fairfax County Health Department is offering FREE immunization clinics for children beginning August 1.
For more information and appointments visit here.
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Summer Safety Tips for Families | |
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Most parents and caregivers are aware that children’s natural curiosity, innocence, and determination are a combination that can get them into trouble in the blink of an eye. Sadly, too often in the summer, the news includes reports of families forever changed by preventable accidents that led to the injury or death of a child.
The Parenting Education Programs is sharing this reminder about some seasonal dangers, and offering tips from safety experts to help you keep your children safe for many summers to come. These tips include information on:
- Preventing Falls from Open Windows
- Preventing Hot Car Deaths
- Promoting Water Safety
For more information please visit: Summer Safety Tips for Families | Family Services (fairfaxcounty.gov)
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Kingstowne Farmers Market | |
Did you know we have our very own farmers market right here in Franconia District? Open until October 27th from 3 to 7 pm on Fridays, there are Farmers Markets happening at Kingstowne Center. For more information including the vendor list, please visit: Kingstowne Farmers Market | Park Authority (fairfaxcounty.gov)
The address for the Farmers Market is:
5844-5862 Kingstowne Center
Alexandria, VA, 22315
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Making the switch to solar power is easier and more affordable than ever, thanks to Solarize Virginia and Capital Area Solar Switch, two programs that reduce the cost and complexity of going solar. For more information, see 3 Great Reasons to Go Solar in Fairfax County in 2023.
Through end of August, homeowners can sign up to receive a free assessment and quote from a qualified solar installer, and a guaranteed discounted rate. There are even opportunities to bundle your solar system with electric vehicle charging stations and solar battery storage.
Learn more at upcoming webinars for Fairfax County. In the sessions, you will
- Learn about solar energy,
- Learn more about the co-op purchasing programs and how they work, with no cost to join or obligation to purchase solar panels,
- Hear from solar-power installers.
Fairfax County Solar Switch 101 Webinar
Aug. 9, 6 p.m.
Register now!
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School Age Child Care (SACC) Program Registration for 2024-25 Year
Opened July 11
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Registration for Fairfax County's School Age Child Care program (SACC) for the 2024-25 school year opened on July 11, 2023.
The SACC program, operated by Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, offers before- and after-school care for children attending kindergarten through sixth grade in most Fairfax County public elementary schools and several community centers. Signup is alphabetical by school, so make note of your school's date here.
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Fairfax County Public Library Summer Reading Challenge
June 16-August 18
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School's out for summer!
The Fairfax County Summer Reading Adventure is for YOUTH and ADULTS and participating is as easy as 1-2-3! Participate from June 16th to August 18th.
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Go to fairfaxcounty.beanstack.org and register for the Summer Reading Adventure appropriate for you or your children.
- Depending on your age, earn ten or fifteen virtual badges by reading or listening to books, reading for 20 or 30 minutes, completing activities or a combination of all three.
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Once you have earned your badges, visit your local library branch and receive prizes.
For more information, visit Youth Summer Reading 2023 and Adult Summer Reading 2023. Watch the Learn About Summer Reading Adventure: All Together Now video.
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Capital Area Food Bank Summer Meals at Audubon Estates | |
Capital Area Food Bank is providing summer meals throughout the region. If you are near Audubon Estates, you can get supper Monday to Friday from 6 to 7 pm. More information about locations and meal times can be found here. | |
Fairfax County Public Schools - Summer Meal Program
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Hunger doesn’t take a vacation and neither do we! The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) will be hosting the Summer 2023 Summer Meal Service at schools throughout FCPS. Check out the school sites in the Franconia District:
- Cameron ES
- Garfield ES
- Groveton ES
- Hybla Valley ES
- Key MS and Key Center
- Lynbrook ES
- Mount Eagle ES
- Springfield Estates ES
Fairfax County Public Schools is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability or age, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. Meals will be served in the school cafeteria, with a few exceptions noted in the list below, meals will be provided on a first come, first serve basis, at the sites and times as follows. All sites are closed on July 3rd and July 4th.
FNS will offer no-cost breakfast and lunch to all children 18 years of age and younger. There is no registration involved and everyone is welcome! Meals must be consumed on site. Click here for more info and to find a site near you.
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Are you in need of additional cooling during the summer?
The Senior Cool Care Program is a public-private partnership sponsored by Dominion Energy and administered by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services through the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging that helps low-income older citizens in our jurisdiction keep cool during summer months.
The program runs May 1 through October 31, 2023. This program does not provide financial assistance, but it provides additional cooling at home, such as fans, for eligible older adults, age 60 and older.
If you are interested in learning more about the program, please contact the Aging, Disability & Caregiver Resource Line: 703-324-7948.
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Summer is a time for enjoying the outdoors, but it’s important to be aware of the dangers of excessive heat. Summer heat can be a dangerous thing if you aren’t careful. Heat-related illnesses can range from mild conditions like heat rash and cramps to more serious conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Visit Summer Heat Safety Tips for some tips to help you stay safe and healthy during the hot summer months ahead.
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It’s summertime and there are plenty of things to do here in the area. Here’s a quick guide to summer in Fairfax County:
- Explore water! Pools, splash parks, lakes and more (but note health advisory about local streams).
- Summer Entertainment Series features 180+ performances at 18 venues.
- Keep reading with the Summer Reading Adventure.
- Make southern Fairfax County a staycation -- check out Potomac Banks.
- Hunger doesn't take a vacation - learn about summer meals for kids.
- Learn about using FCPS school grounds this summer.
You can find more information here: Your Guide to Summer 2023 in Fairfax County | News Center
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Thank you for the opportunity to serve. | |
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Rodney L. Lusk
Franconia District Supervisor
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